Adlington denied third gold as judo career draws to close
Adlington denied third gold as judo career draws to close
Richard Winton - BBC Sport ScotlandSun, August 2, 2026 at 5:08 PM UTC
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This was not the way Sarah Adlington wanted her judo career to end.
The 39-year-old, who won Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow in 2014 and again in Birmingham four years ago, had envisaged going out with a third visit to the top step of the podium.
However, Scotland's opening ceremony flagbearer lost her first fight of the week to Marie Loanne Durhone of Mauritius in the +78kg division to crash out at the last-16 stage and miss out on even a chance of bronze through the repechage.
"I'd worked so hard to be the best I could be and the margins are so small," said a tearful Adlington.
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"I didn't achieve what I wanted today but I can't thank the people who've been in my corner through the highs and lows of the last 22 years enough.
"I'm proud of what I've achieved. I hope I've showed women and girls it doesn't matter what shape or size you are - big, small, tall, chunky, there's a place in sport for you. Just go out there and do it."
There was also disappointment for Gregor Miller in the +100kg category.
The 22-year-old from Perth did at least get to fight for bronze, but could not overcome Kody Andrews of New Zealand.
Source: “AOL Sports”
